I sought youth that was everlasting.
I couldn’t fathom the idea of growing old.
Riddled with lines and marks that would give away my age.
I am not a product of time.
So, I went searching
into the depths of the forest
for youth everlasting.
Picking my way through the spindly branches
and prickly brambles,
trying to outrun decay.
My search took days.
Months.
Years.
My bones ached,
and my skin hung loosely on my frame.
And then one day
I found it.
A fountain that bubbled and softly sang
a hymn of youth.
A promise of supple skin,
bright eyes,
and immortality.
I tried to reach it
but the journey was too far.
As I made my final steps
My limbs snapped.
Bones turned to dust
as my old body returned to the Earth.

Editor: Erynn Crittenden